Anti-Microbial Cash Drawer

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a system, methods and apparatus for efficiently and cost-effectively preventing the transfer of microbes, such as, for example, bacteria and viruses seamlessly during commercial transactions typically occurring at a full service check-out station in a large retail store. The invention further considers the application of the methods and apparatus in other industrial disciplines where, for example, medical equipment and surgical tools may be susceptible to cross-contamination of microbes. One preferred embodiment incorporates a slidable drawer within a cash box where currency is stored, taken, or added randomly over a period of time. Especially designed lamps allow for a rapid switching means to control the time period for activating or deactivating lamps, thus regulating UV exposure. Exposure time with UVC and the orientation of the UV lamps provides complete germicidal decontamination within seconds.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/983,385, filed Apr. 23, 2014, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELDS OF THE INVENTION

The invention presented here relates to an ultraviolet sterilizationsystem used for preventing the transfer of microbes, specifically in anintegrated ultraviolet cash drawer. The design is used typically at apoint of sale where a cash box is used to effect standard cashregistration operations while seamlessly coupling ultravioletsterilization on the cash transferred.

BACKGROUND

There are already a large number of devices described for effectingpayment at a point of sale. Some have attempted to couple these deviceswith known anti-microbial or germicidal agents, however prior to thepresent invention any incorporation of these agents into cash registersor currency drawers involved commercially impractical designs andexpensive manufacturing processes.

Related art includes two portable devices described in U.S. Pat. No.4,786,812 issued on Nov. 22, 1988. This patent described for a hand-helddevice to sterilize a surface contaminated with mold, yeast or virususing ultraviolet (UV) lamps operating at a wavelength of 253.7nanometers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,042 issued on Jan. 23, 1990 describes atwo-piece device consisting of a hand-held unit with UV lamps forsterilization of surfaces and a base unit with a fan onto which thehand-held unit is secured for the sterilization of the surroundingatmosphere. Neither invention provides for or can ensure the completedecontamination of high-risk items, such as currency, during continualroutine exchange of money as occurs in a check-out unit in departmentstores.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,536 describes the neutralization of chemical andbiological threats using a confined drawer design that provides acontained decontamination of high-risk items such as money. Theinvention incorporates the use of a combination of germicidal andthermal tubes to neutralize chemical and/or biological agents. Theultraviolet lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, preferably UV-C at awavelength of 253.7 nanometers with the heating tube generating airtemperatures of at least 160° C.

In the retail industry, customers are highly susceptible tocross-contamination handling contaminated currency. Employees areconstantly handling money which significantly increases their chances ofinfection. If employees and/or customers perceive a store and thecompany as begin unclean, the company brand and reputation will beaffected.

None of the prior art inventions provide for or can safely andefficiently ensure complete decontamination of the currency exchangedduring purchases as occurs in a check-out unit of a large retail store.Prior devices required long UV exposure times and cumbersomemanipulation which delays the purchasing process normally occurring at afull service check-out station in a retail store.

A device for sterilizing currency, such as coins checks or othermonetary exchange used and exchanged by the public, and that would allowan individual with little or no formal training to seamlessly andeffectively decontaminate the currency while completing routineexchanged related tasks such as would occur in a check-out line of adepartment store or large commercial facility would provide a usefulmeans to control the communication of germs. Thus the present inventiondescribes a device for sanitizing cash where there would be no change oralteration of normal operations, minimal integration into the currentcheck-out stations, and no daily recurring costs or additional employeetraining is needed. Further, the present invention provides a means touse germicidal ultraviolet radiation to kill contaminants found onequipment in many various industries such as health care and in foodpreparatory where the spread of microbes among tools and bench-topequipment has become a problem for workers and consumers in the field.

SUMMARY

Banknotes, coins, and other forms of money have always been used incirculation as a medium of exchange especially circulating paper money.Individual paper currency will be in physical contact with multiplepeople and consequently become an inadvertent vector for thetransmission of microbes in communities. This is especially true inlarge retail stores where patrons select their purchase items and thenproceed to a central check-out station(s) to finalize the exchange usingcurrency. As individual currency is exchanged through a check-out clerkand subsequent purchasers, the risk of communicating a plethora ofmicrobial organisms increases through currency contact. Individuals,especially people with suppressed immune systems, are unnecessarilyexposed to multiple diseases.

The present invention incorporates an ultraviolet sterilization systemfor safely and efficiently irradiating money at the point of currencytransactions with ultraviolet light (UVC). In one embodiment, a cashdrawer incorporates, in part, an outer casing configured tosubstantially enclose an inner volume, an inner container configured toreceive a paper currency, and a series of electrical components designedto completely irradiate with ultraviolet light, specifically UVC, thetarget monies in an optimized time interval that allows continuedaddition and removal of currency during routine purchases and exchangeof money.

A further embodiment includes design modifications for easy repair andmaintenance. A modular design as described herein provides for a rapidand simple manufacturing process.

The present invention provides germicidal protection for full-servicecheck-out stations in stores, in part, by retro fitting current cashdrawers with a UV system that significantly reduces or eliminates theexchange of microbes occurring with the transfer of currency. This “realtime” UV irradiation and currency exchange make the present inventionuseful in most retail stores and large commercial entities were currencyis exchanged with the public.

The embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings andsummarized below. It is to be understood, however, that there is nointention to limit the invention to the forms described in thespecification. One skilled in the art can recognize that there arenumerous modifications that would embody the spirit and scope of theinvention as expressed in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one ormore of these drawings in combination with the detailed description ofspecific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1. Images of irradiation chamber design, Panel A single chamberarea with no dividers, Panel B three chamber divider, and Panel Cstandard currency dividers.

FIG. 2. Outer front face of box showing indicators LEDs, green indicatespower on and blue indicates lamp on, located on the front fact of thebox.

FIG. 3. Block diagram of main control board.

FIG. 4. Image of the micro switch design to accurately time the openingand closing of the drawer with the opening and closing of the UVC lamp.Panel A shows the V bend design. Panel B shows a modular design unit andPanel C shows the unit situated within outer box.

FIG. 5. Image of the recessed metal pocket housing the 12 volt powerconnection as well as the cash drawer POS interface.

FIG. 6. Image of the ultraviolet-C circuit board and lamp mounted to thetop portion of the inner surface of the outer box.

FIG. 7. Images of the modular design of the PCB lamp circuit boardassembly. Panel A shows the UV-C circuit board and lamps mounted on aninsulated platform. As shown in Panel B, a staggered pin orientationprovides for simple installation.

FIG. 8. Panel A shows an image of the protective screen inserted intoposition along the front and back 45 degree angle screen and platformedge. Panel B shows the modular circuit board and lamp with protectivescreen assembled on the inner surface of the top of the outer box. PanelC show an alternative design with standoff pins.

FIG. 9. Image of the aluminum protective screen shown on inner surfaceof the top side of the currency drawer

FIG. 10. Insider view of the aluminum protective screen showing sidesangled at 90 degrees with portions cut open for wire access and on thefront and back edges a 45 degree angle.

FIG. 11. Top view of an opened drawer modified for disinfecting medicalequipment.

FIG. 12. Panels A and C are images of two petri dishes sampled fromcurrency obtained from a restaurant and pharmacy, respectively. Eachpetri dish was inoculated from 3 different bills used in a typicaltransaction within the store and without exposing to the UV-C cashdrawer system of the present invention. Panels B and D are images ofpetri dishes sampled from the same currency in Panel A and C,respectively, after disinfection using the UV-C in the cash drawer.Samples for each petri dish were obtained under aseptic conditions witheach dish incubated for 72 hours at 32° C.

FIG. 13. Image of the components for the kit of the present invention.The components includes natural botanical sanitizing wipes, handsanitizer, disinfecting wipes, a disinfecting all-purpose spray cleanerand a portable microbe detection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The device described in the present invention provides a system forsignificantly reducing or eliminating the exchange of microbes with thetransfer of currency. One embodiment incorporates a currency box used inmost commercial transactions or associated with cash registers used inlarge commercial entities such as retail stores. The box is equippedwith a series of ultraviolet lamps (UVC) programmed to irradiate thecontents such as coins and notes. The UVC bulbs and electronic circuitryprovide an efficient and commercially practical means to providing agermicidal sterilizer. The box is loaded with the currency. When thedrawer is closed, a calculated dose of germicidal UVC energy isdelivered automatically within the box, eliminating or significantlyreducing the microbes. LED displays on the outer front face of the boxprovide the user with the system's status, including power, lamps, andlamp use. Other embodiments of the present invention include, but notlimited to, a device and a disinfecting tool used in the healthcareindustry and in the food preparatory industry where cutting boards andother instruments are readily sterilized.

Kits for maintaining a germ-free checkout station are also describedwhich compliment the device in a system that provides a completegerm-free check out station. The kit includes, in part, a botanicaldisinfecting wipes which further aid in the safety of the employee.

Overall UVC Germicidal and Antimicrobial System

The PCB power circuit board and lamp circuit board is designed to fit inany type of sterilization system to sterilize a multitude of products,materials or tools. The target to be irradiated is contained within aclosed unit. Typical contained units are shown in FIG. 1 where a drawerwithin the closed box provides easy access when pulled out. Asillustrated, FIG. 1 Panel A depicts a sterilization unit having an outerbox frame (10) with an inner draw (12) shown without dividers. FIG. 1Panel B is the same outer box frame (10) and inner draw (13) withcompartments. While any design for dividing the inner draw iscontemplated in the present invention, FIG. 1 Panel C depicts the mostpreferred design for the inner draw (14) having specific compartmentsfor storing currencies of different denominations. Upon closing theinner drawer and activation of the system, the contents are exposed to aUVC source for a predetermined time period optimized to ensure completeelimination of any microbial activity on the surface of the target withthe least amount of lamp usage.

One embodiment of the present invention address the need for removingmicrobial activity on the surface of currency as it is being exchangedin commerce, typically the full-service check-out station at a retailstore. The present invention utilizes, in part, the standard design of acash box (10) having a currency drawer (but now incorporating a UVCirradiation system (FIG. 1, Panel C). On the left side of the frontouter face of the outer cash box are green (26) and blue (27) LEDindicator lights powered directly from the circuit board describedherein (FIG. 2). Alternatively, a third red LED indicator lightilluminates when the clock on the circuit board reaches 10,000 hourswhich functions to notify the user that the bulb is to be replaced. FIG.3 provides a block diagram of the main control board, showing theinterrelationships between the irradiation lamps and user indicationLEDs. FIG. 3 incorporates the third red LED which alternatively can beused to assess the life of the UV bulbs.

In one embodiment inside the outer box, a secondary micro switch isincorporated with the existing micro switch of the germicidal systemthrough a specially designed connector (41). As shown in FIG. 4 PancelA, a V bend in the center keeps both arms of the switch connected aswell as evenly separated. This insures smooth operation for the accuracyof the timing corresponding with the opening and closing of thegermicidal chamber or cash drawer as well as the overall UVC operation.

In an alternate design, the LED indicator lights are positioned on theupper portion of the front face. A modular micro switch assembly isshown in FIG. 4, Panel B. As shown in FIG. 4, Panel C the assembly iseasily mounted in the rear of the inner portion of the outer box withquick connectors.

Further the outside bottom of the outer box has a 2¾″×1½″×2″ deep metalpocket (55) modified to contain a 12 volt power connection as well asthe cash drawer POS interface. By recessing this pocket and locating theconnectors within the pocket, the connectors are provided protection andthe drawer will sit flat. (see FIG. 5)

Special quick release power plugs and connectors on the sterilizationsystem as well an easily removable main PCB microprocessor circuit boardand a PCB Ultraviolet-C lamp circuit board facilitate the efficientexchange of the parts of these components, allowing for cost-effective,quick and efficient service on site. The quick release plugs andconnectors allow for rapid assembly and field repair.

The present invention considers all possible applications of the generalembodiment of the present invention. Not only can it be applied to cashdrawers, but replacement of the plastic cash drawer with a stainlesssteel drawer has applications in the medical and dental industry whererapid and easy sterilization of instruments or tools is needed toprevent infections.

Another application is in the food industry. One embodiment is a drawerwithout a bottom. The bottomless drawer is placed over cutting utensilsand cutting boards in to sterilize. An optimized exposure time to theUVC irradiation allows complete sterilization in-situ. Typicalapplication would involve sterilization of a wood cutting board bysimply placing the bottomless drawer over the target cutting board andexposing to UVC irradiation for a predetermined time period.

UVC—PCB Circuit Board Germicidial Sterilizer

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the main control board. All componentsare UL certified or are UL recognized components. A 2 pin male connectorlinks the 12 volt DC input with a 3 amp fuse on circuit board. Another2-Pin male connects to 2 pin female connector attached to 18gauge+−wires that connect to a 2.1 mm barrel power connector thatinstalls in the bottom of the unit in the recessed pocket. The unitfurther contains (4) AC/DC high voltage rms transformers.

A microcomputer processor mounted on shock absorbing rubber grommets isincorporated to provide a custom program and a micro switch whichfunctions in the assimilation of a one shot timer, controlling thetransformers and LEDs. The blue LED UVC indicator light and the UVCgermicidal lamps are switched on or off to indicate the status of thepower or UV light, respectively. The processor also controls apotentiometer to supply the time required for the antimicrobial process.It is used to monitor, store and display the information and is set bytwo separate minute and second push button digital micro switches whichwhen pressed will display the time that the UVC lamps will remainactive, resulting in a much improved accuracy in regulating the amountof time the UV light is on, allowing for improved optimization ofirradiation time intervals, and in standardizing the manufacture/productof multiple devices for a specific application. The processor is alsoused to monitor, store and display the information of the totalaccumulated time the UVC lamps have been active, thus providing anindication for replacement. The processor is responsible for monitoringand sending information to the red LED light when the life of the lampshas been exhausted and notifying the user to replace lamps. The LEDgreen light on the front outside face of sterilization unit isconstantly illuminated when power is applied to the unit. LED blue lighton front outside face of the sterilization unit is illuminated only whenpower is applied from the micro switch, causing the microcomputerprocessor to engage the AC inverter to power the UVC bulbs and engagethe timer, potentiometer and the LCD or LED readout. The LED (or LCD)panel on the outer front face of circuit board is controlled by themicrocomputer processor which sends commands to the LED or LCD panel todisplay the accumulated time the UVC bulbs have been on. On the main PCBcircuit board there are 2 brown male 11 pin output connectors. Theseconnectors receive a set of custom designed 5000 k AC voltage siliconewires consisting of 4 red power and one white ground for AC voltage.Each set of cables has a brown female 11 pin connector on one end thatconnect to the circuit board and a white female 11 pin connector thatconnects to the Ultraviolet-C lamp circuit board.

The PCB Ultraviolet-C Lamp Circuit Board

The PCB Ultraviolet-C (UVC) lamp and circuit board is shown in FIG. 6.FIG. 6 shows one embodiment where the board is 14 inch by 2⅞ inch withone white 11 pin male connector input (61). The 11 pin male connector issoldered to four traces that are designed for two germicidal UVC lamps,5 watt, (5 mm×240 mm) having 253.7 nm wavelength with 2600 microwatts at1 inch per cm². The lamps are staggered 2″ left to right on theUltraviolet-C lamp circuit board to provide complete coverage of thetarget area. These lamps are also soldered onto the Ultraviolet-C lampcircuit board so as to maintain a secure connection throughout theiruse. The lamps are designed to start quickly by using 1500 vrms to startand 900 vrms to run. This combination of power, size and characteristicsof the lamp provides a unique feature to the lamps in the presentinvention, allowing them to start and reach its full power potentialwhile killing 99.999% of germs within seconds instead of the minutesneeded in the prior art. Thus the lamp allows faster service treatmenton/off times when used and ensures complete irradiation during routineon/off use.

The PCB lamp circuit board has 3 holes uniformly on each side of board(63). These holes allow a threaded brass insert attached to a steel pinwhich accompanies a rubber grommet to allow for shock absorption and forthe circuit board to float above the attachment surface. A furtherembodiment of the PCB Lamp circuit board is a ⅜″×12″ strip of hook andloop Velcro on back of the length of board making board simple toexchange when lamps need to be replaced.

A further embodiment of the PCB Ultraviolet-C (UVC) lamp and circuitboard is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 Panel A shows a modular UVC lamp unitfor assembly into a UV cash box. Two separate PCB lamp circuit boardassemblies (65), each having two UV-C lamps are mounted on the circuitboard. The PCB lamp circuit board assemblies (65) are easily mounted onan aluminum platform (67) having an insulated surface and using astaggered pin orientation (66) as shown in Panel B. An aluminumperforated protective screen (68) as described below covers theUltraviolet-C (UVC) lamp and circuit board. The protective screen isinserted onto the aluminum plate (67) along the front and back 45 degreeangle screen edge and a corresponding 45 degree angle edge of thealuminum platform as shown in FIG. 8 Panel A. Once assembled the modularlamp component is quickly and easily installed with 4 screws (71) onto asupport platform (72) on the inner top surface of the outer box. Thecircuit board and lamp are connected to the unit through a two circuitboard connectors (73) having a hold-down shield (74) as shown in FIG. 8Panel B. Panel C depicts another embodiment which incorporates themodular design with standoff pins (75) in the center of the aluminumplatform (67) to support the screen and allow for it to be screwed down.

The Aluminum Perforated Protective Screen

As shown in FIG. 9, a 15″×8″ an aluminum perforated protective screenprotects the boards from damage and allows the target, such as coins orpaper notes, to be exposed to the generated radiation. FIG. 9 shows theouter box with the bottom side up and with the drawer removed. Thealuminum perforated screen (68) is attached to the inner surface of thetop side of the outer box (10). As shown in FIG. 10, the screen isangled at 90 degrees on each side with portions cut open for wire access(81) and on the front and back edges up, at a 45 degree angle so as toraise the center of the screen to provide a protective area for the PCBLamp circuit board. The 45 degree angle also provides deflection for thedrawer if it happens to be raised or the system is abused. The system iscapable of preventing a high degree of abuse and will not allow thebulbs to break. If the bulbs do break, the screen will providecontainment and will not allow the broken lamp to fall into the drawer.The perforation on the screen allows the 254.7 nm light waves topenetrate through and be effective in sterilizing the contents of thedrawer. In addition, the screen is painted black on the back side as tonot allow any reflection of the light wave so the full strength of thelight wave moves through the perforated protective screen.

As discussed above, the present invention has applications in thehealthcare industry (see FIG. 11). One embodiment is the use of theoutside box (10) and drawer (12) in disinfecting medical instrumentsprior to use. Specially designed compartments enable complete exposureof the surface of each tool to the UV-C radiation, thereby ensuringuniform disinfection. To this end, stainless steel compartments allowlight to be reflected from all interior drawer surfaces. A mesh platform(95) sits slightly above the bottom surface of the compartment. The meshpattern is sufficiently porous as to allow UV-C light to reflect of thebottom drawer surface to irradiate the underside of the tool. FIG. 11shows a typical medical sterilization drawer having three compartmentsfor positioning medical and surgical tools for UV-C irradiation. Eachcompartment is fitted for a mesh platform as shown.

A further embodiment contemplated in the present invention is theincorporation of a small credit card size computer with WIFIcapabilities. Together with a cell phone application to collect data onthe status of the cash drawer (or other device of the presentinvention), individual cash drawers are monitored in real-time: Forexample, the application can assess the status of the power supply orinformation from the indicator lights. Information regarding the UVlamps relating to on/off time or time each lamp is on, record of thelifetime on the UVC bulbs to indicate replacement, the temperatureinside the cash drawer, the number of times the cash drawer opens in aunit of time, detecting the cash drawer open time and assess. Thus ifleft open to long (theft or another problem), appropriate action can bequickly initiated. These all are set to be monitored without supervisionand send a communication by e-mail to the responsible party as well asthe owner, informing them that there is any type of problems with thedrawer.

Sample Test

In order to further confirm the ability of the cash drawer to completelyaffect microbes and disinfect the surface of any currency transferredduring the completion of a purchase or at the check-out station, threeseparate bills were randomly tested from two actively currencytransacting stores, a restaurant and a pharmacy. Each selected bill wasaseptically stored and transferred by sterile techniques prior totesting. Testing was completed by independently swabbing the surface ofthe collected bills before and after exposure to the UV-C cash drawersystem described in the present invention. Petri dishes were incubatedfor 72 hours at 32° C. and then assessed for microbial growth on theagar.

In the first experiment (FIG. 12, Panel A and B), currency exchangedfrom a fast-food restaurant was selected. Three bills were eachindependently swabbed to inoculate a sterile petri dish in threeseparate regions as shown. Panel A depicts growth in each region after72 hours of incubation. While each bill had varying amounts of microbialgrowth, Panel A shows the presence of microbes growing on the petri dishin each region, representing their presence on the surface of thesampled bills. In Panel B, the same currency has now been disinfectedusing the UV-C cash drawer disinfection system of the present invention.Here, microbe growth has been significantly attenuated, if notcompletely inhibited, after exposure of the bills to the UV-C cashdrawer system.

In the second experiment (FIG. 12, Panel C and D), currency exchangedfrom a pharmacy was selected. Again, three bills were each independentlyswabbed to inoculate a sterile petri dish in three separate regions.Panel C shows a significantly greater amount of infection in all threebills compared to the restaurant sample, but especially noteworthy isPanel D where the growth is again completely inhibited on all threesamples after exposure to the UV-C cash drawer system.

Kit and System for a Complete Anti-Germicidal Protection System

In addition to the device described above, a complete system isdisclosed herein for continued, long-term protection against microbesand other biological agents found and transmitted at most largecommercial full-size check-out stations, such as those found at adepartment store or discount retail stores. The kit ensures all surfacesand employee/user hands are cleaned and monitored for a clean storeenvironment. The kit includes, in part, natural botanical sanitizingwipes, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and a disinfectingall-purpose spray cleaner (see FIG. 13).

Most disinfectant wipes incorporate alcohols, aldehydes, oxidizingagents, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Each has knownproperties and toxicities with varying safety standards. For example,bleach is commonly used to sanitize, especially in areas used bychildren. Bleach is a chemical irritant to the lungs and mucousmembranes and is especially toxic to the individual who is diluting orcleaning the surface.

However the present invention considers a natural botanical alternativeincorporated into the kit components, providing the safest workenvironment available for employees working at the store's full-servicecheck-out station and customers. Natural botanical ingredients used inthe formulation of the present invention include thymus vulgaris oil(thyme oil with is a natural antimicrobial), citric acid (an antioxidantand environmentally benign cleaning agent), sodium decylglucosideshydroxypropyl sulfonate (a plant-based emulsifier derived from cornsugar and coconut oil), hydrolyzed oats (a skin conditioner), origanumvulgare (oregano) oil (a natural essential oil fragrance), aloebarbadensis leaf (aloe vera, a natural emollient and skin conditioner),copper PCA (a skin conditioner and naturally occurring mineral found inhuman skin), sodium citrate (a natural pH balancer), and water.

The only known natural disinfectants are botanical disinfectants.Botanical disinfectants are known to kill over 99.99% of bacteria,fungus and other microbes. They are applied without mixing, requiring norinsing or wiping to remove. It can be used to sanitize such areas as achild care facility. It is most applicable in a work environment wherean effective disinfectant is needed, yet the application must be safefor employees and other personnel who come in contact.

As a verification component of the kit, a portable microbe detectiondevice is included with the kit in order to sample the individualcheck-out stations and monitor for the presence of microbes. While alldetection devices known in the art are considered, the preferred deviceutilizes the detection of ATP. This is the simplest and mostcost-effective rapid testing means for measuring mold, bacteria andother microbes.

The kit further contains information and instructions to optimize theuse of the botanical disinfectant and a testing schedule for samplingwith the portable microbe detection device.

The contents of the articles, patents, and patents applications and allother documents and electronically available information mentioned orcited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety tothe same extent as if each individual publication was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The terms and expressions used herein have been used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the useof such terms of excluding any equivalents of the features shown anddescribed or portions thereof. It is recognized that variousmodification are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention hasbeen specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and other features,modification and variation of the invention embodied therein hereindisclosed may be used by those skilled in the art, and that suchmodification and variations are considered to be within the scope ofthis invention.

I claim:
 1. A UVC germicidal device comprising: a. an outer box; b. aninner drawer; c. an aluminum perforated screen on the inner top surfaceof the outer box; and d. at least one UVC germicidal lamp within thealuminum perforated screen wherein up to 1500 vrms is needed to startthe lamp and 900 vrms is needed to run the lamp in order to kill 99.999%of all germs within the drawer.
 2. The device of claim 1 having an innerdrawer with compartments.
 3. The device of claim 2 where the innerdrawer has compartments for storage of surgical tools.
 4. The device ofclaim 3 where the inner drawer is stainless steel.
 5. The device ofclaim 3 where the compartments contain a mesh platform.
 6. The device ofclaim 2 wherein the compartments are capable of storing differentdenominations of currencies.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the outerbox with inner drawer provide storage for currency exchanged at a fullservice check-out station in a retail store.
 8. The device of claim 1having LED indicator lights on the front face of the outer box toindicate power and illumination.
 9. The device of claim 1 having dualmicro switches for synchronizing the opening and closing of the drawerwith the on or off status of the UVC lamps.
 10. The device of claim 1having a metal pocket on the outside surface of the bottom of the outerbox for a 12 volt poser connection and a cash drawer POS interface. 11.The device of claim 1 further having a microprocessor to controltransformers, potentiometer and LEDs that act together to illuminate,monitor and report the status of the illumination process.
 12. Thedevice in claim 11 having two separate digital micro switches to displayillumination times.
 13. The device in claim 1 having an aluminumperforated screen with a 45 degree angle edge on the front and rearportions to provide a protective enclosure for the lamp.
 14. The devicein claim 1 having an aluminum perforated screen with an inner surfacepainted black to prevent reflection of emitted UV light.
 15. The devicein claim 1 having two 5 watt UVC germicidal lamps with a wavelength of253.7 nm with 2600 microwatts at 1 inch per cm².
 16. The device of claim1 where two lamp circuit boards each having two UVC germicidal lamps aremounted on an insulated modular platform and covered by an aluminumperforated protective screen.
 17. The device of claim 16 further havingstandoff pins to support the screen.
 18. The device of claim 1 having aWIFI network for interfacing with a computer or mobile device.
 19. Ananti-germicidal method in the exchange of currency at a check-outstation in a retail store comprising: a. interfacing a germicidal deviceof claim 1 with a cash register of a check-out station; b. takingcurrency from a customer as consideration for products; c. storing thecurrency of different denominations in drawer compartments of the deviceof claim 1 wherein the drawer is closed after the exchange; d.irradiating the currency in each compartment of the device in claim 1;and e. opening the drawer of the device in claim 1 to add additionalcurrency or remove currency as consideration for products by anothercustomer.
 20. The method of claim 19 further periodically applyingbotanical disinfectants from a group consisting of sanitizing wipes,hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, a disinfecting all-purpose spraycleaner, and combinations thereof at the check-out station.
 21. Themethod of claim 20 further testing surfaces of the check-out stationwith a portable microbe detection device.
 22. A kit for reducing thetransmission of microbes at a check-out station in a retail storecomprising: a. a device of claim 1 having a drawer capable of storingdifferent denominations of currencies; b. natural botanicaldisinfectants from a group consisting of sanitizing wipes, handsanitizer, disinfecting wipes, a disinfecting all-purpose spray cleaner,and combinations thereof; c. a portable microbe detection device; and d.instructions for application of the botanical disinfectant andinstructions for testing.